Earn up to $1,500 for Healthy Behavior with Fitbit’s New Healthcare Integration

By Fitbit Staff

Health care is expensive. In fact, in 2015 (the most recent year data is available), the average American spent $9,990 on health care, according to the Department of Health and Human Services—more than twice the average of other developed nations.

And there’s evidence physical inactivity may be contributing to these higher bills. According to a 2013 study, people who walk at least 8,000 steps a day can save $7,000 or more on annual medical costs compared to those who take fewer than 2,000 steps daily.

To help bridge this gap, Fitbit is integrating Charge 2 into the UnitedHealthcare Motion program powered by Qualcomm Life’s 2net Platform. UnitedHealthcare Motion is an employer-sponsored wearable device wellness program that offers financial incentives for enrollees who meet daily step goals.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

UnitedHealthcare Motion uses a set of activity goals called F.I.T., which stands for frequency, intensity and tenacity. Hit these targets and you just might see improved health outcomes, which can in turn help reduce healthcare costs. A customized Fitbit Charge 2 will enable UnitedHealthcare Motion program participants to earn up to $4 per day in deductible credits by achieving one or more of the following F.I.T. goals:

Frequency: Complete 300 steps in five minutes an hour apart, at least six times per day;

Intensity: Complete 3,000 steps in 30 minutes, at least once per day; and

Tenacity: Complete at least 10,000 steps per day.

Starting in early 2017, UnitedHealthcare Motion participants can use their customized Fitbit Charge 2 trackers to see how their daily activity meets these marks—right from their wrists. Those who achieve one or more of the F.I.T goals a day can earn up to $4 per day, or $1,500 per year, in deductible credits that are deposited into a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Meanwhile, employers can obtain premiums savings based on participants’ combined results. So far, UnitedHealthcare Motion members have already earned millions of dollars in financial incentives through the program.

If you want to learn more about how Fitbit Group Health can help you and your coworkers (or employees!) get healthier, talk to your human resources department.

This article is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.

I have called United Healthcare and search the internet high and low for some answers on this and no one seems to know what is going on. I’m starting to think this isn’t a real thing or maybe they started commercials to get the consumer to push their employers? Either way- I’m left in the dust on this one…

Well myself and husband both got our Fitbit’s and smart phones, but no one seems to know how to get the phones syned with the internet, cause that’s what the phone keeps saying so we have been unable to get with the program. We can wear the wrist unit but our steps are not recorded. I suggust that this is a program that does work and will be sending our stuff back soon. Thanks for letting me vent